On Sunday, November 18, Almost 900 hundred runners showed up for the Run to Stay Warm three different races sponsored by EWEB to help raise money for their income-eligible customers who are having trouble paying their electric bills.

The race was the idea of Shelley Stephenson, who provides Administrative Assistance in Energy Management Specialist for EWEB. The race came about because EWEB (Eugene Water and Electric Board), a sponsor of many other local races and right there on the Eugene Marathon course, saw an opportunity to put on a race to help members in their community who needed help paying their utility bill and provide hot water and heat during the winter months and in times of need.

I was excited about the Run to Stay Warm Half Marathon as it was my second year doing the course. I carpooled from Portland to Eugene with some fellow running fanatics who were also running the half marathon. We were worried about the weather as we drove down, because it was pretty heavy non-stop rain for at least 80 miles into the trip, but as we got near Eugene the skies dried up. It was still mostly overcast with a few breaks of sun hear and there, but we just appreciated the clear racing conditions.

EWEB Race Course from my Garmin data

The process of packet pick-up was fast and well organized, so we had plenty of time to warm up for the race after getting our timing chip and bib. The morning was a bit chilly, but I knew once we started running it would be perfect conditions.

The start of the race starts and ends at the main complex for the Eugene Water & Electric Board. The start line is back in the utility yard where there is plenty of wide space so the runners can thin out before they reach the narrow trail that is a fifth of a mile from the start.

I lined up after doing my usual warm-ups and saw a fellow running friend who I did the Elite Hell's Canyon Relay Race with last September. The race started and 426 half marathoners bolted for the trail jockeying for a good position. We made our way through the complex and hit the trail and headed east along the south side of the Willamette River. Just past mile one the crowd had thinned out and we crossed the first pedestrian bridge to the north bank entering Alton Baker Park and continuing east. The rest of the course continues out past the I-5 freeway before turning back and continuing through the park.

A replica of the sun to scale 1 to 1 billion

One of the cool features of the park system along the course is that there is a 1 to 1 Billion replica of our solar system with scale replicas of the sun, planets and our moon. At 5.5 miles on the course you pass the sun. For those of you that love running billions of miles, I have made up a map of the park and where the planets are located, which is down below with the other race photos. A half marathon doesn't seem so far when you can say that you have run out to Neptune and back.

The race continues west on the north bank until nine when the half marathoners cross the second pedestrian bridge. The remaining four miles follows the south bank of the river again and goes through a quiet neighborhood by the river for a short distance. Runners run through West Bank Bark, Maurie Jacobs Park and Skinner Butte Park before finishing back at the EWEB complex.

All half marathon finishers received a nice medal. At the finish line there was water, hot chocolate, bagels, bananas and other food to help refuel the runners. Eclectic Edge Racing was fast with posting the results for the three races. After the finish, runners were invited to The Bridge Bar & Grill a couple of miles away for a selection of free hot soups. My friends and I headed over there and were impressed by the selection and taste of the soups. I also paid for a burger and fries, which were really good with the soup.

Overall I would say this is a wonderful race working to raise money for a great cause. It is well organized, a flat and beautiful course along some fast and friendly competition. This a race that is well worth the drive from Portland.